Photo and video sharing
Many social media platforms, apps and other online services let you share photos and videos with other people. Being aware of the benefits and risks when using this feature can help you stay safe online.
On this page:
What is photo and video sharing?
Many internet-connected devices with cameras, such as smart phones and tablets, let you take photos and record videos then share them online. You can also create images or videos within lots of apps, games and sites, or upload them from your own files so other people can see them. Taking a screen capture is often an option too.
Whether you share the photos or videos in public posts, one-to-one chats or any other way online, there’s usually a chance that the people who see them will share them with others using the in-app functions, screen captures or downloads – with or without you knowing. You may be happy for this to happen, but there are some risks and benefits to think about.
The benefits of sharing photos and videos
Sharing photos and videos can be useful in a wide range of ways. For example, it may help you:
- build connection with other people
- develop your personal or business profile
- celebrate special moments with close friends
- express yourself creatively
- show who you are on an online dating service
- display a portfolio of professional work
- list items for sale or auction
- make a presentation more interesting.
Looking at what other people have shared can also be useful. For example, it may help you keep up with what your friends are doing, understand news and events, or learn from how-to videos posted by others.
Remember, you have the option to switch between private and public profiles across many social media platforms. It’s a good idea to learn how to manage your digital safety settings. You can also check The eSafety Guide for information about how to update your privacy settings across online platforms and apps, including common ones like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).
The risks of photo and video sharing
Damage to your digital footprint
Any photo or video you share online adds to your lasting digital footprint. The content may be hard to delete, especially if it has been copied or shared outside the online service it was first shared on – for example, if someone takes a screen capture or a screen recording and shares that.
Remember, once a photo or video has been shared online, you may not be able to control where it goes or how long it stays online. For example, potential employers could see the post and may not know that you uploaded the photo or video as a joke. Even photos and videos that you have deleted can sometimes be found in online archives and might be searched by people, including journalists and recruitment teams.
Learn more about your digital reputation and how your digital footprint is created, as well as tips to manage your footprint.
Intimate images or videos being used to harm you
Image-based abuse is when someone shares or threatens to share intimate images or videos of you without your consent. For example, an ex-partner could share a nude of you on social media to upset or embarrass you.
You could also be at risk of sexual extortion – a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share an intimate image or video of you online unless you meet their demand (often for money or more intimate content).
Your location or personal information being revealed accidently
Photos and videos you share online could include information that identifies who you are – this is called your ‘personally identifiable information’. It might be your address, school, workplace or phone number in the background of your image or video, such as on bills or memos on your fridge.
The information might be used inappropriately by other people, putting you at risk of having your identity stolen or being doxed. Doxing is when someone knowingly shares your personally identifiable information online without your consent.
Learn more about identity theft and doxing.
Exposure to inappropriate content
When looking at what other people have shared, you could come across photos and videos that are violent, sexualised, not age-appropriate or that you simply don’t want to see. This risk can increase if you don’t know the person sharing the content or you are using an anonymous service.
Some online dating services use artificial intelligence (AI) to identify if a nude image has been sent to someone and warns the person before they open the image.
Online services should allow you to report any inappropriate content. Look at The eSafety Guide for information on reporting on different apps, websites and other online platforms.
You can also learn more about illegal and restricted online content and the steps you can take to report it.
Advice on photo and video sharing of children
There may be times when children or young people are part of photos or videos shared online. Whether these posts are part of your professional, personal or community life, it’s important to take special care and consider the rights of the child, before sharing photos or videos of them.
To keep children and young people safe online, remember these tips:
- Make sure children and young people understand what it means to consent to share photos and videos online, including taking and sharing photos and videos of each other.
- Always check to see whether the child or young person has consented to having their photo or video shared online.
- Be aware of the location of the photos or videos. For example, if the child or young person is in swimwear, or a healthcare or childcare environment, it may not be appropriate to share anything online.
- If you have the child’s or young person’s consent to take or share photos or videos, make sure you also have permission from their parent or guardian. Be clear with those involved where the photos or videos will be shared, how they will be stored, and for how long.
- Sometimes the safest option is not to take or share photos or videos of children and young people.
Find more safety advice in our Parents section. Our Communities section also has tailored advice, including for sports clubs.
More information
Visit The eSafety Guide to find out more about specific online services, platforms and games using photo and video sharing capabilities.
Read about the legal powers eSafety has to help protect people who live in Australia from the most serious online abuse and harmful content. You can also download and print our quick guides about different types of online abuse, which include key information and advice:
- Cyberbullying quick guide (available in five languages)
- Adult cyber abuse quick guide (available in more than 10 languages)
- Image-based abuse quick guide.
Last updated: 15/08/2024
